Liz is out. The consolodation of the two competing wings of the Democratic party is complete.
But where will the consolodation occur?
Conventional wisdom would indicate that Liz would enthusiastically endorse her progressive cohort, a long time partner in the Senate. But the invective thrown around in the debates and the accusations that Bernie lied about Liz , leading to a very cold shoulder after one contest by Warren toward Sanders, leave Warren’s allegiance an open question. As I write this we are all anticipating a presser by the Warren campaign, and this issue will likely be clarified, but the fact that it is not clear before that is telling.
The ramifications of what she does are extremely impactful to the optics of the race, which ultimately are all that matter. The optics are as far as most voters go. Politicos like you and I have a hard time with that truth, imagining a populace engaged and curious about issues of policy and ideology. They aren’t. They get sound bites, if they are even that engaged. But those that only glance at what happens will see two very different visions of the Democratic party depending on where Liz chooses to shine her light.
By endorsing Bernie, the party looks like it’s in the throws of a titanc battle between moderates and progressives, torn between a dream and the familiar.
Endorse Joe and the party looks like it is well on its way toward unity, the varied strata of the party coalescing behind the One True Thing, with a lonely voice baying in the wilderness, influencing but not piloting the conversation.
Remaining silent on the issue will essentially be a tacit endorsement of Biden as her ideological next of kin will still be standing alone with no Robin to his Batman.
I see her decision as that of dedication to a world view or the desire for a cabinet post.
We anticipate your decision, Secr… I mean Senator Warren.